Lesson 5: Commerce Clause and U.S. v. Lopez
Duration of Days: 2
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to analyze the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Lopez and explain how it limited Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause, evaluating the balance of federal and state authority.
How did the Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Lopez define the limits of Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause, and what does this mean for federalism in the United States?
CG.Civ.2.b. Analyze the role and effectiveness of the legislative branch in addressing constituent and
societal needs (e.g., Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution, elections, political
polling, representation, constituent services
CG.Civ.8.b. Evaluate how different levels of government work to promote civic virtue and enact
deCG.Civ.4.d. Explain how federalism led to conflict between states and the federal government (e.g.,
healthcare, suffrage, taxation).
DOK level 4
analyze the Supreme Court case and how it relates to Checks and balances, Federalism, and ideology of Justices.
NA
Worksheet, class discussion, and debate.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ROZ9VvFu-Qc4POywKZDDdJ6lJpSV5Q3MNXd0NWzIpnM/edit?tab=t.0